Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ (the original dermatologist developed moisturiser) is considered a bonafide cult classic in skincare circles and you’d better believe the hype. Lightweight, radiance-boosting and comforting – this moisturiser is a pure tonic for ravaged skin barriers - its melt-into-skin formula continues to reel in new fans, most recently a slew of TikTokers intent on locking down that ever-elusive ‘butter skin’ look. It always slightly irks me when the TikTok set start waxing lyrical about something that’s been beauty editors’ radars for years, but I can’t fault their enthusiasm for the stuff. Especially the brand’s newest iteration that comes – hallelujah! – with a side of SPF 50 – one of my skincare non-negotiables.
Yes, you’d better believe I was excited when this little primrose yellow bottle of goodness landed on the beauty desk. I love everything about the original – the fact it’s lightweight (gloopy, rich creams that leave a greasy residue are an instant beauty turn-off for me) and packed with moisture magnets hyaluronic acid and glycerin. These ingredients draw moisture to your skin and keep it there so one application in the morning delivers a faux post-facial glow that’s still there come my evening commute.
So let’s talk specifics. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ SPF 50, £37 for 75ml is not only made to streamline your routine (time-poor skin obsessives rejoice!) it’s fragrance free (important for unpredictably sensitive skin like mine), oil-free, non-comedogenic (it won’t clog pores) and – according to the dermatological tests – suitable for a whole range of skin types. Like the original, it strengthens your skin barrier too, helping to keep redness-inducing irritants out and plumping moisture in. SPF-wise it delivers high factor sun protection, absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a white cast.
When it comes to SPF, the key is hitting on a formula, not that you have to wear, but that you want to wear. Fall in love the feel of your sun protection and applying it every day, giving your skin the protection it needs every day gets wrapped up into the joy of a good skincare routine. That’s what’s so great about this soon-to-be cult classic - not only does it have the ability to hydrate a myriad of skin types, but it feels lightweight and you can count on it blending seamlessly.
It's worth noting that combining your SPF with your moisturiser means you have to apply more of it. The rule of thumb for a face SPF is that you need to squeeze out two finger-lengths worth of product. I do this and a little more when using a moisturiser with SPF – I like to play it safe. And there’s no need to be sparing with Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ SPF 50 either. It layers up beautifully, absorbs quickly and delivers a second skin finish that sits well under make-up.
If you haven’t yet experienced the joy of Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+, now is very much the time. Make a play for this brand-new launch and see if you don’t become a loyalist like me. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ SPF 50, £37 for 75ml.